Downing to fight for Liverpool future

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has confirmed he wants to stay at Anfield and fight for a spot under Reds manager Brendan Rodgers.

The 28-year-old Downing was rumoured to be of interest to West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, but the former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough player quashed those rumours by renewing his allegiance to Liverpool.

"I'm here to stay," Downing told liverpoolfc.com. "I'm enjoying it - especially last season. I got a good run in the team. Hopefully that will continue, and I need to work hard.

"I want it to continue. It's why I came here - to play in a successful team. I want that to continue as long as possible."